U.S. Wildland Fire Service

Prepped and ready for initial attack ✔️ The Great Basin Smokejumpers have spent the spring training, conducting refresher jumps, and preparing for the increase in fire activity ahead. Recently, our Director, Chief Brian Fennessy, spent time with the crew to get a firsthand look at their operations, training, and readiness for the season ahead. From packing parachutes to jump prep, these firefighters continue to sharpen the skills needed to respond when called.

Not every day carries the same wildfire risk. Hot temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds can create conditions where fires start easily and spread rapidly. These are often called Red Flag conditions. Before heading out, take a moment to: • Check local weather and fire conditions • Follow fire restrictions • Avoid activities that could spark a fire on high-risk days During Wildfire Awareness Month, staying aware of conditions is one of the simplest ways to help prevent wildfires. #WildfireAwarenessMonth #WAM2026 Photo by Joe Bradshaw

Prescribed fire isn’t just a tool, it’s a commitment to healthier landscapes and safer communities. When trained crews use fire intentionally, it reduces overgrown brush, returns nutrients to the soil, and supports healthier wildlife habitat. Think of it as nature’s reset button, guided by science, carried out with care, and designed to keep our forests and grasslands thriving for generations. #WildfireAwarenessMonth

Putting fire on the ground with purpose. Recently, crews from across the wildland fire community came together at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area to complete a 40-acre prescribed burn. USWFS firefighters, U.S. Forest Service personnel, and Prescribed Fire Training Crew members worked side by side to carry out this first-entry underburn. In addition to reducing hazardous fuels and supporting healthier landscapes, the burn provided valuable training opportunities for firefighters. Nearby residents also stopped by to thank crews for their work and recognize the role prescribed fire can play in supporting community protection and landscape resilience. This operation was one of many prescribed fire projects conducted safely and effectively each year to support land management and reduce wildfire risk. Prescribed fire requires coordination, planning, and careful implementation, and this work reflects the collaborative effort that goes into carrying out these projects. Photos by USWFS personnel

Today we honor and remember Arden Davis Jr., an Alaska smokejumper who died during a practice jump just outside Fairbanks, Alaska, on this day in 1966. Smokejumpers play a critical role in wildland fire response, and Arden’s service reflects the dedication and courage shared across the wildland fire community. Arden is never forgotten.

Are you a federal wildland firefighter or dispatcher, or do you have a loved one who is? Support is available. Federal wildland firefighters and dispatchers now have access to up to 16 free therapy sessions each year through the Wildland Fire Therapy Service, designed to meet the unique needs of those in emergency response roles. Call to get started: 1-800-424-4051 or visit: wildlandfire.magellanfederal.com #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MHAM2026

Happy Mother’s Day to the moms on the fireline, behind the scenes, and at home supporting the mission. Your strength and dedication do not go unnoticed!

Nearly 85% of wildfires in the United States are caused by people — which means most wildfires can be prevented. During Wildfire Awareness Month, everyone has a role in reducing wildfire risk: • Secure trailer chains and inspect tires, bearings, and axles • Follow local fire restrictions • Drown, stir, and feel campfires until cold to the touch • Use equipment responsibly, especially during dry and windy conditions Small actions can prevent big fires and help keep firefighters focused on naturally caused incidents. Learn more wildfire prevention tips: doi.gov/wildlandfire/b…

Last weekend, we were honored to take part in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Our Director, Chief Fennessy, and wildland firefighters serving on our Honor Guard helped support the national memorial and stand alongside the families, friends, and communities of the fallen. Participation in this event is one of the many ways the fire community honors those we have lost and supports the families they left behind. Our fallen are never forgotten.

While reducing mental health stigma and strengthening resilience is year-round work, we encourage everyone, whether in the wildland fire community or supporting the mission, to take at least one concrete step this month to support your own wellbeing, your crew, or someone in your community. ➡️Build awareness and talk openly about mental health ➡️Make buddy checks a routine part of looking out for one another ➡️Stay familiar with available support resources and how to access them ➡️Encourage reaching out early so challenges don’t escalate Have ideas that work for you or your crew? Share them in the comments. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MHAM2026

Awareness starts with understanding. What is the Wildland Urban Interface? It’s where communities and wildland vegetation meet or intermingle, where homes, infrastructure, and natural fuels exist side by side. These areas can be found across the country, not just in the West, and they continue to grow as more people live closer to forests, grasslands, and open spaces. Why does it matter? The WUI is where wildfire risk to people, homes, and communities is often the highest. During Wildfire Awareness Month, understanding where you live is the first step. Preparing your home, creating defensible space, and staying informed can help reduce risk and protect what matters most. #WildfireAwarenessMonth

As America prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, the @Interior Department recognizes a new chapter in caring for our nation’s most cherished landscapes. The creation of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service marks a new approach to protecting communities and public lands from the devastating impacts of wildfire. Since the earliest days of public land stewardship, we have adapted to meet each era’s challenges—something today’s increasingly complex and frequent wildfires demand. These landscapes belong to all of us. Protecting them for future generations means honoring the past while preparing for what’s ahead. Follow along as we highlight the people, history, and mission behind caring for America’s public lands and how that work continues to evolve for generations to come. Photo by Lisa McNee

Building the next generation of wildland firefighters. In April, students from across the Midwest gathered at the Pine Ridge Reservation for a Native Youth Firefighter Training Program event, gaining hands-on experience and mentorship. This effort showcased the strength of our interagency partnerships, bringing together our Department of the Interior fire program and the U.S. Forest Service to recruit and inspire the next generation of land stewards. Through this program, high school and post-secondary students receive hands-on instruction, mentorship and technical training that prepares them for seasonal and permanent positions with tribal, federal and state fire programs. The future of fire management is in good hands. Read more about NYFTP: doi.gov/pressreleases/… Video description: Wildland firefighters use Pulaskis to dig handline in an outdoor setting, working together to construct fireline.

Recognizing two of our own. Shannon Deane and Chris Delaney were named recipients of the 2025 Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award. Deane is recognized for Initiative and Innovation. As a Regional Fire Business Analyst, she has rethought fire business across the region, contributing to a resilient, empowered, and highly functional workforce. She has also helped build a network-based support system that fosters critical thinking from the field to the national level and strengthens a culture of mental health in support of the mission. Delaney is recognized as an exceptional leader who meets every challenge with resilience, humility, and an unwavering commitment to service. His work developing the Medical Support Program has filled a critical gap and has saved lives. He also serves on the Honor Guard, supporting families and representing the Bureau with dignity. The Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award, presented by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Leadership Committee, honors those who exemplify leadership through action and service to the wildland fire community. Congratulations! 🎊

Public service takes many forms in wildland fire. From the fireline to dispatch, aviation, and support roles, every position plays a part in the mission. This Public Service Recognition Week, and every week, we are grateful for our people and all those across public service who make this work possible.

On MMIP Awareness Day, we lift our relatives & stand with families still waiting for answers 🪶 We remember those lost and call for truth, justice & accountability. No family should search alone ❤️

Congratulations to the latest graduates of the Fire Managers Academy! Their graduation marks the completion of a six-month program designed to develop the next generation of wildland fire leaders. This year 150 applicants competed for 30 seats in the Fire Managers Academy. To meet this demand, the program expanded to 50 participants across two sessions, with cohorts graduating in Boise, Idaho, and Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Students of the program represented the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, Tribal partners, and the @forestservice. Over the course of the program, students completed distance learning and in-person training focused on leadership, risk management, planning, and interagency coordination. Coursework covered a range of topics, including Tribal engagement, risk and safety leadership, leading with integrity, and developing and growing teams. Programs like the Fire Managers Academy play a critical role in preparing current and future leaders for the complexities of wildland fire management. Photos by Caleb Ashby

Here’s the latest National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook for May through August. During Wildfire Awareness Month, it’s a timely reminder to prepare, stay informed, and help prevent wildfires. #NationalFireNews

Different landscapes. Different conditions. One mission. On International Firefighters’ Day, we recognize the work of wildland firefighters across the country. From initial attack to extended operations, these crews adapt to changing conditions and work together to get the job done. It’s challenging work, but it comes with a strong sense of purpose to protect communities, public lands, and the landscapes we all depend on. #InternationalFirefightersDay

Mental Health Matters. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, share resources, and support those who may be struggling. We’re joining @samhsagov to “See the Person. Support the Journey” this year. Here with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, we are committed to supporting our people. Throughout the month, we’ll highlight resources, share actions you can take, and continue working to reduce the stigma around mental health. The Federal Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program provides support tailored to the unique needs of wildland fire personnel across the @Interior and @USDA. Start here for more information: health.nifc.gov Need to talk now? Call or text 988. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MHAM2026